Beginning Quote by Jesmyn Ward
“I've found that in fiction - and this is just the kind of writer I am - I can't really work from an outline. I have a vague idea of the characters at the beginning of the book, and then I have a vague idea of whatever the end of the book will be, but I can't approach creative nonfiction like that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Art of Writing Fiction”, 2018
The author explains that her creative process relies on intuition rather than a detailed plan, allowing characters and story to evolve organically.
In simple terms: She writes without a strict outline, letting ideas develop naturally.
Key Takeaway
Embrace flexibility in storytelling.
Themes
creativity
process
intuition
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
advice
process
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- creative nonfiction
- workshop sessions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
narrative development
character arcs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does spontaneity affect character depth?
- Can you balance intuition with necessary plot milestones?
A Different Perspective
Lack of structure may cause pacing issues or writer’s block.
